Friday, 9 April 2021

Three Sisters Playing Chess

The Game of Chess (Portrait of the artist's sisters playing chess) is a painting by Sofonisba Anguissola from 1555. Anguissola was 23 years old when she painted it.

It looks like a bit of a mismatch. I think the confident-looking elder sister (Lucia) is about to declare 'Check', maybe even 'Checkmate'. And the youngest (Europe) looks a bit of a mischief - she might tip the board over if her favourite sister (the stern-looking Minerva) is about to lose. Minerva's King looks a bit exposed and it's possible Lucia has captured the Black Queen and has it in her hand.

It looks like Minerva has her hand raised - is that a concession of defeat?

The painting is in the National Museum in Poznan, Poland. I hope nobody makes it into a jigsaw puzzle.

1 comment:

  1. I wasn’t familiar with this painting. I’ve researched it now. Thank you.

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